Most patients in Europe with end stage renal disease are maintained at an Hb level between 6 and 8 mmol/l. According to a survey during the second European Epoetin symposium (Creta, 1998) only 20% is maintained at Hb = 8 mmol/l, but most are maintained at values lower than 8 mmol/l. Even about 40% was maintained at Hb = 6 mmol/l.